Bright Outlook Occupations

The National Center for O*NET Development has identified "Bright Outlook" occupations, where new job opportunities are likely in the next several years. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, or will have large numbers of job openings.

Criteria

Every Bright Outlook occupation matches at least one of the following criteria:

Projected to grow rapidly

These occupations are projected to grow faster than average (employment increase of 10% or more) over the period 2016-2026. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The "faster than average" designation comes from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Projected to have large numbers of openings

These occupations are projected to have 100,000 or more job openings over the period 2016-2026. Projected job openings represent openings due to growth and replacement, as estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Bright Outlook occupations were initially identified in 2010, using the BLS 2008-2018 employment projections. The list was last revised in 2017, using 2016-2026 projections.

The Browse Bright Outlook feature within O*NET OnLine allows the user to focus in on occupations with high growth or a high number of projected job openings. For each Bright Outlook occupation, the user can view a Summary Report with key details. My Next Move, Mi Próximo Paso, and My Next Move for Veterans also provide the user with easy access to the Bright Outlook careers, so that new job seekers, students, and other career explorers can learn more about promising career opportunities.

Mi Próximo Paso, and My Next Move for Veterans include a career outlook designation for all careers. Each career is listed as having a “Bright,” “Average,” or “Below Average” outlook, based on the Bright Outlook criteria and projected growth from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Full details are available at About My Next Move.